Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Winston-Salem and Des Moines have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↑ 2%
$57,673/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 11%
$208,200 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 12%
$1,040/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
250,887
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,293/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Des Moines?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Des Moines?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $6,293/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Winston-Salem details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Des Moines

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Des Moines vs. Modesto Des Moines vs. Fontana Des Moines vs. Huntsville Des Moines vs. Moreno Valley Des Moines vs. Spring Valley Des Moines vs. Frisco